Originally Posted by
markk900
Rusty: Isn't it a great adventure to learn the history of your bike(s)? When you get the chance to take a break from riding them, I would suggest a very thorough cleaning and polishing - nothing like the hint of shiny-ness to get you excited all over again.
(BTW: is your wife enjoying her bike as well? Mine was reluctant at first - she thought she preferred her road bike and assumed my buying a ladies model was just an excuse for another bike, which it was - but once she started riding it she found it a real blast)
Mark, yes it is exciting! I have been reluctant at cleaning, partly because I did not want to hurt the paint or decals. Which is not an excuse, I know, but once I learn more I'm sure they will get a thorough cleaning. Also, my wife LOVES her bike! Once we put the comfy Bell seats on there, she definitely enjoys it. And thanks for that link, I just quickly looked through it, lots of great info with pictures, which really helps me.
One of my next steps is trying to find a source for parts. I want to replace all 4 of our tires and tubes. The tubes leak slowly and the tires are extremely dry rotted. I would love to find tires that say Made in GB like the ones already on my wife's tourist. They could also use some new brake pads (or whatever the correct term for them is). My wife's grips are split, so I need those too. Are there any well-known reputable parts sources for these items?